Sewing machine



Sept. 10, 1929. M. M. SCHARF SEWING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1927 8Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 10, 1929. M. M. scHARF SEWING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4,1927 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 ULULII l1HlHllIlHllllMlll llllllll Q Q Q INVENTORflflfaSCf/fi/EF I i 477w 'Sept. 10, 1929. M. M. SCHARF 1,727,908

SEWING MACHINE Fil F 1927 8 Sheets-Shea, 3 m 15 120 12/ INV'EN T0,?

Sept. 10, 1-929. M. M. SCHARF 1,727,908

sswme momma Filed Feb. 4, 1927 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 I N VEN Tee Sept, 10,1929. SCHARF 1,727,908

SEWING MACHINE Filed F 1927 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VEN TOAE M M JC/M F PM a/ Arflfg Sept. 10, 1929. Mr M. SCHARF 1,727,903

SEWING MACHINE Fil 1927 a Sheets-Sheet "I I/YVf/Y 70/ M M Same/- Sept.10 1929. M. M. scHARF SEWING MACHINE Filed Feb. 4, 1927 8 Sheets-Sheet 8I N VEN 70/ /%M 5CH4AF Patented Sept. 10, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SEWING MACHINE.

Application filed February 4, 1927. Serial No. 165,980..

This invention. relates to improvements in sewing machines and moreparticularly to machines for sewing the fabric of an umbrella top to theribs or tips of the umbrella frame structure.

The present invention is an improvement on the sewing machine as shownby my copending application, Serial No. 28,148, filed May 5, 1925,entitled Sewing machines, disclosing a machine for automatically sewingthe fabric cover of an umbrella to the eye at the end of the umbrellarib, whichstitching operation heretofore had always been accomplished byhand.

Specifically, the present invention comprehends an improved and moreefficient machine of this character and contemplates further a sewingmachine for performing a series of stitching operations to stitch thefabric cover to an umbrella tip usually of celluloid, bakelite, orsimilar compositions, which after completion of the stitching operationis positioned on the usual metal umbrella rib.

It is, therefore, one of the objects of the present invention to providea simple and practical sewing machine of the above general character,which will be so far as possible entirely automatic in its operation.

I A further object of this invention is to provide a machine of theabove character which will automatically grip the fabric in properposition about the tip of an umbrella rib in predetermined relation to areciprocating needle which stitches the cover to the umr brella' tip.

A further object of this invention is to provide a machine of the lastmentioned character with suitable mechanism for reciprocating the needleat periodic intervals and tip and relatively. about the same in exactlythe manner that the "stitching operation hasheretofore been performed byhand.

A further object is to provide a machine for automatically compensatingthe throw.

of the thread with respect to the amount of 'sociated fabric.

causing an actuated relation between the.

thread used whereby the thread will be drawn taut at each stitchingoperation.

A further object is to provide a mechanism of the above describedcharacter for severing the thread at the completion of the stitchingoperation.

A further object is to provide a simple and practical mechanism forautomatically rethreading the needle prior to the start of a subsequenttipping operation.

A further object is to provide a practical mechanism forautomaticallytensioning the thread carried by the needle thru and pastthe work during the successive stitching operations.

A further object is to provide a mechanism for automaticallystraightening the needle into rethreading position after the last stitchhas been taken thru the umbrella tip and as- A further object is toprovide a feed mechanism, which is substantially automatic in operation,to feed the umbrella tips to operative position in which position theneedle may pass therethru to thus perform the necessary stitchingoperation.

A further object is to provide a drive for a machine of the abovedescribed character which is easily controlled by the operator.

A further object is to provide a machine of the above describedcharacter in which substantially all the mechanisms are operated by therotation of a unitary member, one complete revolution of which completesthe cycle of operation of said machine.

. A further object is to provide a machine of the above describedcharacter which is operative to sew the fabric of the umbrella top tothe eye of the usual metal rib, as well as performing this stitchingoperation on an umbrella tip and fabric.

A further object is to provide a mechanism of the above generalcharacter having relatively few parts, which are unlikely to get out oforder and which may be inexpensively manufactured, assembled andinstalled.

A further object is to provide a sewing machine of the last abovementioned character which may be easily operated, will be safe 100 tohandle and which will not require operation by a skilled operator.

Other objects will be in part obvious from the annexed drawings. and inpart indicated from the following analysis of this invention.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, thecombination of parts, and in the unique relation of the various membersand the relative proportioning and dispositioning thereof, all as moreclearly outlined herein.

In the drawings, wherein similar parts are designated by correspondingreference characters,

Fig.1 is a partialfront elevation of the machine, certain parts beingbroken away.

Fig. 2 is a partial rear elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1,certain parts being broken away.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the frame and associated structure, theparts shown in Figs. 1 and 2 forming acontinuation thereof.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation partly in section of certain parts of thedrive mechanisms.

Fig. 5 is an end view of the drive mechanism shown in Fig. 4, certainparts being removed.

Fig. 6' is .a substantial transverse view of that part of the machineshown in Fig' 1, certain parts being broken away.

Figs. 7 and 8 are details of the needle slide.

Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the work clamp actuating mechanism, havingcertain parts broken away.

Figs. 10 and 11 are details of the work clamp, Fig. 11 being a sectionalong line 11-11 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged detail of the feed mechanism.

Fig. 13 is a section along lines 1313 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a detail of parts shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 15 is a detail of the needle straightener.

Fig. 16 is a detail of the threader.

Fig. 17 is an end view of the thread cutter mechanism.

Fig. 18 is an elevation of the cam drum removed from its drive shaftwith its cams mounted thereon.

Figs. 19 to 30 are face views, looking to the right, of the cams showndiagrammatically in Fig. 18, their relative directionof rotation beingindicated by an arrow.

Fig. 31 is a detail of the fabric applied to and stitched to the tipafter the completion of the last stitching operation.

Fig. 32 represents the reversal of the fabric relative to the tip forapplication to the metal rib.

Fig. 33 represents diagrammatically an attachment for sewing the fabriccover to the metal eye of the conventional umbrella.

v Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3,numeral 10 designates a cast pedestal having a base 11 suitablyapertured for the reception of fioor bolts or other fastening means, anda table portion forming a support 12. Securely bolted to the support 12is a block 13 which has its upper surface inclined. A U-shaped frame 14engages said inclined surface and is securely fastened to the block 13as by bolts or the like. By reason of the inclination of the engagingsurface of block 13, the frame 14 is thrown relatively forwardly. andthe parts contained therein are rendered more accessible to theoperator. The main frame 14 comprises a casting having side portions 15and 16 and is preferably provided with a guard at its relatively frontportion (not shown).

Disposed between the side portions 14 and 15 and secured to the upperends thereof, I provide a casting having an upstanding portion 18 andsidewardly extending legs 20. The central portion of the casting is cutaway asat 21 for the purpose hereinafter described. It will beunderstood that the gen eral structure above described may be varied asdesired.

Numeral 22 (Figs. 7 and 8) designates oppositely disposed gibs, securedto casting 18,

mechanisms are substantially identical the left hand needle slide andWinner will be described and reference will be had to the othermechanism only when necessary to a clear understanding of the invention.

The needle gripping mechanism comprises a lower jaw 27 fixed to andextending laterally from the block 25 as by screws 28 and has anupstanding boss 30 which is straddled by an upper jaw member 31. A pin32 ex tends thru boss 30 and jaw member 31 whereby relative pivotalmovement therebetween is assured. The lower jaw 27 is suitablycounter-sunk and apertured as at 33 for the admission of a needle whichis also engaged by a complemental gripping surface 34 of the upper jaw.Pivotallyjoined to the free end of the upper aw by means of a pin 35 isarm 36, the said arm having a nose portion 37 normally engaging thelower jaw thru the medium of a snrinrr 38. Under the action of thisspring, the jaws are maintained in gripping relation until ihe free endof arm 36 is positively actuated downwardly.

The gripping mechanism as above described, has reciprocatory movement byvirtue of the mounting of slide blocks in gibs 22. Such movement iseffected in the following manner. An arm is fulcrumed as at 41 to block25 and is pivotally secured to a bell crank lever having spaced,angularly disposed arms 43 and 44 and intermediate portion 45, saidportion 45 being journaled in a saddle member 46 fixed to casting 18.The arm 44 has a pivotal connection with rock lever 47 thru link 48, thelength of which may be adjusted as desired. The said rock lever 48extends downwardly and terminates in side ears 50, 51 and has a stubshaft 52 mounted therein and disposed intermediate said ears. (See Fig.13.)

I provide a cross member 53 having side arms 54 pivotally joined to ears50, 51 thru links 55 and having front and rear arms 56 corresponding inlength to stud shaft 52. The arms 56 and shaft 52 are suitably bored forthe reception of fastening bolts 57 which extend from auxiliary housings58 formed in casting 18. At the bottom of links 55, I provide rollersupports 60 in which are mounted cam rollers 61, 62 adapted to engagecam rings C and E respectively mounted on a cam drum 63. Altho to belater described in detail, it will be here stated that as the camrollers 61, 62 engage cam lobes on their respective cam rings, rockerarm 47 is pivotally actuated about its point of support (stub shaft 52)and results, thru actuation of link 48, bell crank lever 45 and link 40,in reciprocatory travel of slide block 25 and associated grippingmechanism. By means of the mounting of the cross member 53 and itsassociation with ears 50, 51 of rock lever 47, whipping or lash of saidarm 47 during its actuation is prevented.

The needle gripping and slide mechanism shown at the right (Fig. 1)forms with the left side mechanism a transfer unit substantiallyidentical to the left side needle mechanism above described exceptingthat its cam rollers 61, 62, engage the cam rings K and .J, the camlobes or tracks of which are substantially similar to those of camringsC and E, but are positioned to effect a differenttime element ofactuation.

Mechanism is provided to render the needle gripping mechanisms, whichare normally maintained in gripping relation, operative for transfer ofa needle from one to the other mechanism when the needle slides arebrought to a predetermined transfer position. The mechanism for engagingwith the left slide and gripping device for releasing the needlecomprises a casting member 65 (Fig. 6)

bolted or otherwise secured to member 18 and having spaced ears 66 inwhich pin 67 is fixed. Mounted onsaid pin is a rock member 68 having afinger 70 extending forwardly over the casting 18 and in the path oftravel of the spring pressed lever 35 of the. left gripping mechanism,and an arm 71 extending rearwardly thereof. The said arm 71 is pivotallyjoined in a bifurcated clevis 72 in which a rod 73 terminates. The rod73 at its lower end is joined to arm 74 which is mounted for arcuatetravel from shaft 75, which extends between side portions 15, 16 of thecast frame 14. Arm 74 is provided with a cam roller 76 adapted forengagement with cam ring B on drum 63, which is provided with cam lobescausing rod 73 to be raised and finger 70 to be lowered. The loweredfinger positively depresses the spring held arm 36 of the needlegripping mechanism when the latter during its travel is projectedbeneath the same and release of the needle held between the grippingsurfaces 33, 34 of jaws 27, 31 respectively is permitted. The needlerelease of the right gripping mechanism is effected by substantiallyidentical structure properly posi-.

tioned with respect thereto excepting that its cam roller 7 6 engagescam ring L. It is obvious that the operation and actuation of the needlegripping and transfer mechanisms as well as the gripping releasemechanisms, result by reason of the engagement of the respective-camrollers with their cam rings and is made possible by rotation of the camdrum 63. Certain of the mechanisms described hereinafter depend upon theapplication of power to the drum whereby the drum is rotated for theiractuation, and I shall now describe the power application and drivemeans.

The drum 63 consists of a machined hollow cylinder having a plurality ofcam rings A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and L (Figs. 18 to 30)positioned therein, and its end portions provided with spiders (notshown) thru which a shaft 81 extends and is fixed thereto by suitablemeans. The said shaft is journaled in sides 15, 16 of the frame 14 andextends beyond one side thereof (Figs. 3, 4 and 5). A gear wheel 82 isfixed to said extension and meshes with worm, 83 keyed or otherwisefixed to a stub shaft 84. The

said shaft 84 is journaled in worm box 85,

and a'depending arm of casting 86, both of which are securely bolted tocasting 14 as by bolts 87, 88 respectively. A pulley 90 is mounted andruns freely on shaft 84 and has a cone clutch surface 91 and a beltgroove 92 therein. A belt 93 runs in groove 92 from a pulley 94 drivenby motor 95, the said motor being mounted upon a bracket 96 fixed topedestal 10. Positioned adjacent to pulley 90 on shaft 84 I provide aclutch member-97 havin a clutch surface 98 complemental to and adaptedto engage the clutch surface 91 of pulley 90 by reason of spring 99mounted on shaft 84, and operative between said member 97 and a fixedcollar 99. The said clutch member 97 is keyed to but axially movable onshaft 84 by reason of pin 100 extending thru shaft 84 and engaging inslot 101 in the reduced end thereof. The clutch member 97 has securedthereto as by bolts 102 a brake drum 103, and is which a key 105extends.

provided with an annular channel 104 in The spring 99 normally urges theclutch member 97 into engagement with pulley thru clutch surfaces 98 and91 respectively, and the shaft 84 is thus resultingly driven from motor95 causing the rotation of gear wheel 82 and cam drum 63, unless theclutch member 97 is forced relatively to the left by movement in thatdirection of the key engaging in channel 104 thereof.

I propose to place the actuation of the clutch above described withinthe control of the operator. To this end, there is provided a forwardlyextending boss 106 at the base of pedestal 10 in which is fulcrumed afoot lever 106, the said foot lever having an arm 107 which is pivotallyconnected to link 108. A shaft 109 is mounted in frame 14 and carries abell crank lever 110 housed within the frame structure and joined tolink 108, the said bell crank lever having an arm 111 which extendsoutwardly and at the right side. The said arm is operatively connectedto rod or link 112 which extends upwardly and is guided in thebifurcated end 113 of a lever 114 which is mounted for arcuate travelfrom stub shaft 52 in housing 58. Fixed on rod 112 is a collar 115which, upon upward actuation, engages bifurcated end 113 of lever 114and causes the same to be swung upwardly.

I secure a strap 118 to lever'114 which extends upwardly therefrom andis pinned to lever mounted from and fixed to a'free shaft 121, the saidshaft being journaled in brackets 119 from the side frames 20. At itsfree swinging end, lever 120 is provided with a slightly rounded noseportion 122, which when raised, engages finger 123 having a slightrecess therein and fixed to U-shaped operating lever 124, the said leverbeing mounted on sides 15, 16 of main frame 14 and urged in a directionto obstruct upward movement of lever 120 by a spring 124'. Finger 123 inits normal position thus acts as a stop for the upward actuation ofstrap 118 resulting from actuation of foot lever 106, andoperating lever124 must therefore be swung outwardly (relatively to left Fig. 3) topermit actuation of the foot lever. When such actuation of the footlever has been effected and operating lever 124 has been pulledoutwardly and subsequently released, finger 123 engages nose portion 122of lever 120 in Fig. 3 to maintain the same in raised position and rod112 drops back to its initial position. Swinging movement of lever 120causes rotation of the shaft 121 for a purpose tobe later-described.

There is also provided a finger 125 fixed on rod 112 which, as said rodis raised upwardly, engages a latch 126-pivoted by pin 127 to arm 128.The said arm is swingingly mounted from a stud 130 mounted in ears 131of the casting 86. Swingingly mounted on pin 130 adjacent to lever 128is positioned an arm 132 having a notched portion 133 in which latch 126normally rests. The lever 128 normally engages an arm 135 forming partof bell crank lever including boss portion 136 mounted for rotation inbrackets 137 fixed to casting 86 and frame 14 and rearwardly projectinglip portions 138. In said lip portions is pinned a rod 140 having anenlargement 141 at its other end from which key 105 depends, which key,as hereinbefore stated, engages in annular channel 104 of the clutchmember 97.

Actuation of operating handle 124 to the left (Fig. 3) to permitmovement of rod 112 upwardly upon the operation of foot lever 106 causesthe fixed finger 125 to engage latch 126 and trip said latch against theaction of spring 142, and the part 128 being new disengaged from .member132. may swing freely on stud 130 and independently of member 132. Arm135 is then free to respond to urge of spring 99 and swings to the left,Fig. 5; the rod 140 with its key 105 is projected axially to the rightpermitting operative driving engagement between the complemental clutchsurfaces 91 and 98 of pulley 90 and clutch member 97 respectively. Vvhehthe latch 126 is tripped as above described, mcmber 132 swings a slightdistance to the left by reason of the disposition of its weight, and thelatch, under the action of spring 142, again seats itself in notch, 133.

Adjacent the brake drum 103, there is provided a friction block 143 hungfrom a bell crank lever 144 mounted from casting 86 by pin 145. Theother end of the bell crank lever has a pivotal connection as at 146with arm 147 having a nose 148 adapted for engagement with the enlargedend 141 of rod 140 from which key 105 depends. Member 7 147 is providedwith an adjustable screw 149 whereby bell crank lever 144 and frictionblock 143 carried thereby may be adjusted with relation to brake drum103. Thus as rod 140 permits the clutch member 97 to move to the right,the friction block 143 assumes a non-braking relation with respect tobrake 1 drum 103, and movement of rod 140 to the left causes member 147to swing about its fulcrum 146 to throw friction block 143 into brakingengagement with said brake drum 103.

Itwill be understood that the motor 95 runs continuously and acts todrive the cam drum 63 only after both foot lever 106 and operatingdev'er124 are actuated by the operator.

As will be brought out hereinafter, the complete cycle of operationcomprises a single rotation of cam drum 63. I provide stop means wherebydisengagement of the clutch members is effected upon one complete ro-'tation of the cam drum. This mechanism is as follows. On the relativelyouter face of worm wheel 82, I provide a single cam lobe 150 adapted tobe engaged by an inwardly directed portion 151 of lever 132. The camlobe 150 is so positioned that upon the completion of one rotation ofthe cam drum 63, the said cam lobe engages camming portion 151 which isin its relatively inward position and causes the same to be swung out--wardly.

Arm 132 is likewise carried outwardly, the latch 126 acting as a rigidlink between members 128, 132 and forcing arm 128 relatively outwardlyto engage arm 135 and to swing the same relatively outwardly and causerod 140 to move to the left to effect disengagement of clutch member 97from its complemental clutch member 90. This movement acts to bringfriction block 143 into engagement with brake drum 103.

A stop mechanism actuated from the cam drum is also provided andcomprises a downwardly projecting arm 152 fixed on lever 114 whichcarries a cam roller 153. The said cam roller is adapted to engage withcam lobe 154 of cam ring K mounted on cam drum 63 and which is sopositioned that its engagement with cam roller 153 just prior to thecompletion of a single cycle of rotation of the drum 63 causes the noseportion 122 of lever 120 to be jarred from its recess in finger 123, andthe lever 114 to be lowered. This move: ment disengages lever 120 fromoperating lever 124 and permits the latter to be swung backwardly inresponse to the urge of its spring 124 for the next starting operation.Cam lobe 154 is arranged to actuate its associated stop mechanism in atime relation slightly in advance of the clutch disengaging meansactuated by cam lobe 150.

When the operator starts the device, the cam drum 63 is rotated to causethe needle slide blocks 25 to carry the needle grippers towards and fromeach other. When the needle slides are at the end of their forward nismis timed to be actuated by the position-' ing of the individual cams ofsaid mechanism. By reference to Figs. 21, 23, 28 and 29, the cam rings Cand- E when rotated cause actuation of the left slide (Fig. 1), whilecam rings K and J cause similar travel of the right side mechanism.Considering the said cams to be actuated in a clockwise direction andthe cam rollers being indicated in their position to start the cycle ofoperation, roller 61 of the left slide mechanism engages the lowermostcam surface (0) of cam ring C while roller 62 engages cam lobe (e of camring E. Rollers 61 and 62 of the right. hand slide are simultaneouslyengaging cam surfaces (lc of the cam ring K and lobe (j) of cam ring J.In this position of the cam rings and cam drum, the left needle slide(Fig. 1) is at the end of its back stroke ready to commence its firstforward stroke, and the right side needle slide is in a positionslightly removed from the end of its forward stroke.

Rotation of the cam drum 63 causes roller 61 to ride onto the came lobe(0 While the roller 62 rides into the depression (6); the arm 47 isswung inwardly and the left side slide is projected thru its firstforward stroke. The right side slide has been simultaneously projectedto the full amount of its forward stroke by reason of cam roller 61riding on came lobe ([0 and cam roller 62 being lowered into depressionj respectively. In this relation of slides, the transfer of the needleis effected by reason of operation of the needle release. With referenceto Figs. 20 and 30, rotation of drum 63 causes the cam roller 76 of theleft side gripper to ride cam lobe (b and depresses finger to engage arm36 (Fig. 7) to release the needle as the needle slide reaches the end ofits forward stroke. The cam roller 76 has been simultaneously engagingthe lobe (1) to hold the right side slide open for the receptionpf theneedle. As the cam rollers 61 and 62' engage cam surfaces (7c) and (j)respectively to project said right side slide on its back stroke uponfurther rotation of the cam drum 63, the gripper release roller 7 6engages depression (Z) of cam ring L, which permits the right slidemechanism to grip and carry the needle on its back stroke. The rightslide then reverses its direction of travel as governed by cam lobes (70(j), and the needle is released by cam lobe (Z The left side mechanismwhich has remained stationary during the travel of the right slide andits gripper maintained released, then grips the needle which istransferred to it by engagement of its release cam surface b and isprojected on its back stroke as determined by cam lobes (0) (6 It willbe seen that there are six forward strokes and six reverse strokes ofthe left side slide as determined by cam lobes (0 to (0") and (e) to(6") of cam rings C and E; whereas there are seven reverse strokes andseven forward strokes of the' right side slide as determined by camlobes (1' to (j) and (7a)) to (72 of cam rings J and K counting asstrokes the partial forward stroke and the partial reverse stroke takingplace at the beginning and end of the cycle and as governed by the camlobes '(j) and (70 During the travel of the slides, they are broughtadjacent to each other or in transfer position six times.

The left and right side needle releases are, of course, accordinglyoperated six times by cam lobes (6 to (6") and (Z to (L of cam rings Band L to effect the needle release alternately from one slide andgripping mechanism to the other. It will be understood that the numberof needle transfers is arbitrary, and I am not to be limited to the sixtransfers described, as any desired number of transfers may be effectedto obtain a desired number of stitches.

The work is held in suitable work clamps positioned intermediate theneedle slides. .It will be understood that the device carries suitablethread which extends thru the eye of the needle and is passed thru thework by a series of transfers of the needle in the same direction. Thethread is wrapped about the work to form a loop stitch during a reverseseries of transfers by reason of the reciprocation of a work holdingclamp in a path normal to, in, and out of the reciprocatory path of theneedle. The work holding device comprises a fabric holder and a tip orrib holder, the said fabric holder being formed of spring leaves fixedto block 161 formed on rod 162, the spring leaves 160 being normally(when the machine is not in operation) positioned as shown in Fig. 9.The said rod 162 is mounted for axial movement in arm 163 of casting164, which has forwardy extending bracket portions or cars 165 formedthereon. The ears 165 are suitably bored for the reception of a rod 166which is fixed to the lower ear as by bolt 167. Mounted on castingmember 18 as by bolts 168, I provide a rearwardly extending bracket 17 0having ears 171 thru which rod 166 extends.

Casting 164 has a base portion 172 which is engaged by the end of arm173 mounted from shaft 75. The said arm 173 is provided with ears 174 inwhich is mounted a cam roller 175 which engages lobes of cam ringH'(Fig. 26) mounted on the cam drum 63.

Connecting links 176, 177 are mounted from base 161 of spring leaves 160and from arm 163 of casting 164 respectively, and have a connection withlink 178. The said link 178 is in turn pivotally oined to arm 180 fixedto shaft 121. Thus, as the operator presses foot lever 106 to raise rod112 and thereby cause rotation of shaft 121, arm 180 is pulled from theposition shown in Fig. 9 to the right, and the links 176, 177, acting aslazy tongs, project the fabric clamp upwardly into operative workingposition.

By reason of engagement of roller 175 with lobes of cam ring H, theframe 164 is alternately raised and lowered against the action of spring182 on rod 166, which engages ear 171 of bracket 170 and collar 183.fixed to said rod. The actuation of frame 164 and resulting actuation ofthe fabric clamps 160 is inde endent of said first upward raising ofsaid fa ric clamps caused by rotation of shaft 121.

The arm 163 has an extension 184 projecting upwardly therefrom which isprovided with a top boss portion 185 and an intermediate boss portion186. Screw threaded in boss 185 so that it may be removed therefrom is athreading pin 187 which extends forwardly therefrom. comprising crossedclamping arms 188, the

said arms having gripping faces 190, arepivotally secured to the boss186 as by a stud 191. The clamping arms are normally maintained ingripping relation by a spring 192 extending therebetween. It will beseen that the threading pin 187 extends between the clamping surfaces190 of the clamp arms 188, and a tipis threaded thereon as hereinafterto be described.

To permit the operator to separate the said clamp arms, I provide pins193 extending rearwardly therefrom adjacent fingers 194 which dependfrom a bushing 195, the said bushing extending across extension member184 and rotatable about stub staft 196 fixed therein. An arm 197 extendsfrom said bushing and terminates in an enlarged end 198. WVhen it isdesired to separate clamping arms 188, the operator presses end 198 ofarm 197 which causes fingers 194 to engage pins 193 on the said clampingarms and force their gripping surfaces away from one another against theurge of spring 192.

Fabric clamps 160 are provided with an elongated slot 200 of sufficientdepth to permit the needle during transfer from the left slide mechanismto the right slide mechanism to pass thru the eye of the umbrella tip(shown in dotted lines, Fig. 10) and to permit a return transfer of theneedle to said left needle slide below and above the umbrella tip andassociated fabric held in said clamp.

The cam ring H is provided with a plurality of cam lobes.(h), (71. (if),(k (72. (72. (h which when engaged by cam roller 17 5, cause the tip andfabric clamps to be raised [lobes (7L1), (h (h and to be lowered (h, if,h) from the normal position (it) in which a needle passes thru the eyeof the tip.

Considering now the mechanism which permits of a substantially automaticfeed of umbrella tips to the clamp arms 188 and with reference to Fig.12, there is provided a frame structure comprising a leg 202 secured tothe top of casting 18 as by screws 203, and an inclined chute member 204having at its upper end a shoulder 205. Pivotally anchored in saidshoulder, is a rod 206 upon whicha plurality of tips 207 are threadedand which extends beyond the lower end of the chute 204. Adjacent thislower end, I pivotally secure as at 208 a substantially L- shaped member210 having a spring 211 secured to its upstanding leg whereby thesaidmember 210 is held in the relation shown.

Tip or rib clamps end contacts with finger 212.

The upstanding leg is also provided with finger 212 having a pointed end213, and the other leg is provided with an extension 214; whichstraddles the end of rod 206 and normally acts as a stop for the tipsthreaded thereon. The pointedend 213 of the finger 212 is spaced fromthe extension 21 1- a distance approximating the diameter of anombrellatip.

Mounted on the casting 18 is an upwardly extending arm 215 at the top ofwhich a rock arm 216 is journaled. One end of said rock arm engagespresser arm,197 and the other A bent rod 217 is mounted in bracket 218fixed on casting 18, and is axially movable with respect thereto. Afixed collar 220 limits the axial move- 'ment to the right of said rod217 which is urged to the left by means of spring 221. At the other endof the rod 217, there is provided a reduced portion 222 adapted to beinserted in eye 223 of the umbrella tip. The arm 217 is permitted aswinging movement about its mounting in bracket 218 throughout an arc of180 degrees as indicated in dotted lines. The operation of the feedmechanism is as follows. Actuation of arm 197 to open clamp arms 188 bythe operator causes the rock member 216 to swing about its mounting inarm 215. The free end of said rock arm engages finger 212 and causes theL-shaped member 210 to swin about its fulcrum 208' against the action ofspring 211. This actuation causes the pointed end 213 of finger 212 tobe depressed between the last two of the tips threaded on rod 206. TheL-shaped member carries, with it its extension 214 which permits thelowermost tip to slide from rod 206 and to be threaded on reduced end222 of the rod 217. The operator grasps the end of the tip and causesthe rod 217 to swing into the dotted lines shown, in which position thetip is threaded on to pin 187 and extends in its desired positionbetween clamp arms 188 to permit ofthe passage of the.

needle thru the aperture 223 thereof. The rod 217 may then be pushed tothe right against the action of spring 212 and is returned to itsinitial poisiton. During such operation, pointed end 213 serves as astop and prevents sliding of the tips threaded on rod 206. Release oflever 197 causes the clamp arms 188 to firmly grip the umbrella tip byreason of spring 192 and also releases the rock member 216 which permitsthe L- shaped member 210 to swing back into its initial position byaction of spring 211.

Thread 225 is supplied to the needle from a suitable source of supply asa spool, not shown. An arm 226 fixed on saddle member 46 is suitablybored and acts as a guide for the thread, which then extends thru atension device 227 to the lower portion of rod 228. By reference to Fig.16, the said lower portion of rod 228 is substantially U-shaped and hasdownwardly extending legs,- the longer of which has a guide channel 230therein and the shorter having an aperture 231. The thread is guided insaid aperture and extends across said U-shaped portion thru channel 230therein and from thence extends thru the eye of needle 232. This needleis of the type shown in my prior application and is pointed at both itsends having its eye disposed intermediate its pointed ends. will beunderstood that a single pointed needle might be used, but such use ishardly desirable as requiring separate forms of needle grippers.

The free end of this thread is normally (during the transfer operations)held against the lower gib 22 by an arm 233. The said arm is pivoted asat 234 from a lug 235 extending from casting 18. A stud 236 likewiseextends from said casting and projects thru spring arm 233. Fixed tosaid spring arm 233 is a dependingarm237 which extends downwardly and atits lower end engages a lobe (d) on cam ring D mounted on drum 63. Thespring arm 233 is pressed into tight engagement with gib 22 whendetermined by relation of cam lobe (cl) and arm 237 to maintain fixedthe free end of the thread as the needle is being caried forward on thefirst forward stroke of the left side needle slide, thru the eye 223 ofthe tip 207 held in the work clamp and as sociated fabric, and the firstreverse stroke of the right side needle slide to permit the threadnecessary for the complete cycle of stitches to be pulled from thethread source and thru the tension device 227. At other times. exceptwhen hereinafter indicated, a spring pressure is exercised on the freethread end by reason of spring 238 on a stud 236 urging arms 233 and 237against the gib 22. The length of the thread pulled from the supply mustbe such as to permit the subsequent stitching operations to be taken andthe needle carrying the thread to be returned partially to the fullyretracted position of the left side needle slide after the work has beencompletely stitched.

To compensate for the decreasing length of the thread carried by theneedle as succes sive stitches are taken thru the work, I propose toprogressively decrease the operative radii of the cam lobes of cam'ringsC, E of the left side needle slide and similarly of the lobes on camrings J, K of the right side needle slide. The actuation of both slidesis thereby lessened after each needle transfer, and their travel issuccesisvely decreased as the-thread is passed thru and about the workby successive stitches.

It has been found that a loose loop of thread carried by the needleresults by reason of the reversal of actuation of both needle slides atthe ends of their back strokes to commence their forward strokes. Toeliminate the possibility of this loop of thread being engaged by movingparts and thereby broken and to keep taut the thread at all times, Iprovide mechanism at each side of the work clamp to engage and tensionthe said thread and thread loops. Each mechanism comprises (as shown inFigs. 2 and 6) a finger 240 extending from a rod 241 rotatably mountedin a lug 242 formed integrally with casting 18 and in latter. Rod 241and its continued camming portion 244- form in effect a rock shaft, theactuation of which causes finger 240 to swing about the axis of rods241. 246 is a spring having one end fixed to the rod'24l and its otherend fixed in lug 242, the said spring serving to urge thefinger 240intotensioning relation to the thread, or tothe left of its full lineposition (Fig. 6). It will be understood that two such fingers 240 areprovided each of which are adapted to be operated upon actuation of arms47of the left and right side needle slides.

When both or either of the needle slides are adjacent the ends of theirforward strokes or are beginning their back strokes, fingers 245engagecamming portions 244, and cause fingers 240 to be retractedagainst spring 246 into the full line position (Fig. 6). \Vhen eitherneedle slide carrying the needle and thread is actuated by movement oflever 47 on its reverse stroke, fingers 245 will ride off cammingportions 244,'and fingers 240 are swung relatively forwardly about theaxis of rod 241. The fingers 240 so actuated then engage the threadcarried by the needle from the work by either needle slide to tensionthe same and to take up the loose loop of the thread occurring when theslide carrying the needle begins on its back stroke and is reversed inits stroke. The thread forms tight stitches by reason of this tensioningfeature.

The needle is adapted to be automatically rethreaded by a threadermember which operatesin. conjunction with the thread carrying arm 228hereinbefore described. The said rod 228 is rotatably mounted inabushing 250 which is cast integrally with an extension 251 of casting 65of the left side needle gripper release. Said extension is provided withears 252 in which is mounted bell crank lever 253.

One arm of said bell crank lever has a slot and a pin connection withthe rod 228 as at 254,

pin 260 which engages in a slot 261 of substantially helical form formedin bushing 250. As cam roller 258 engages the lobe (a) of cam ring A,link 256 is raised and bell crank lever 253 is swung about its mountingin the ears 252 and causes rod 228 to be projected downwardly. By virtueof pin 260 operating in slot 261, this downward movement of rod 228results in rotation of the rod 228. which is permitted by reason of slotand pin connection 254. The thread guided in aperture 231 and extendingthru channel 230 of rod 228 is turned with said rod and extends directlyacross the eye of the needle. It will be understood that the rotation ofrod 228 just described takes place at the end of the last reverse strokeof the left side needle mechanism while cam rollers 61 and 62 thereofare riding on cam lobes or surfaces (0) and (6 of cam rings C and Erespectively.

A threader arm 262 (Fig. 2) is mounted for swinging movement as at 263in an extension 264 of casting 18. At its free end said threader armcarries a threader hook 265. Adjacent said threader hook and pivotallyconnected to lever 262 is a downwardly extending link 266, the said linkhaving a pivotal conne:.tion with the lever 267 which is'mounted on stubshaft 52. Intermediate the ends of said lever 267, I provide a roller268 adapted to engage lobe (z') of cam ring I mounted on cam drum 63.Then such engagement occurs, lever arm 267 is swung about its fulcrumedend, and thru link 266 causes arm 262 carrying with it the threader hook265 to be raised. The threader hook is so positioned that upwardactuation there of causes the same to be projected thru the eye of theneedle a sufficient degree to engage and hook about the thread which, byreason of the lowering and turning of the rod 228, is positionedtransversely across the eye of the needle and directly above the same.When roller 268 rides off the cam lobe lever 262 is urged by a spring269 to its normal position, and the thread hook carries With it thethread which extends thru the needle eye to the work as indicated at 225(Fig. 1).

As hereinbefore indicated, the arm 233 is normally spring pressedagainst one of the gibs 22. When the threader arm is raised, however, itabuts against said arm 233 and forces same outwardly to release theloose end of thread 225 held therein. Lowering of the threader armbrings the thread indicated at 225 downwardly as shown at 225", andcauses arm 233 to spring back against the gib 22 to frictionally retainthe one end of the thread (that end leading to the work) which has beenbroken as will be later described. In its extreme retracted or downposition,

threader hook 265 pulls said free end from betivcly long free length ofthread extending thcrethru to the work, and the end of the thread isagain pulled between spring arm 233 and gib 22 to the full line threadposition indicated; At approximately that portion of the travel of theneedle after the thread passes thru the work on its first transfer andis engaged by the tensioning arm 240, the arm 237 engages lobe (d) (Fig.22) and positively forces the spring arm 233 into tight engagement withgib 22 to positively grip the free end of the thread, when the most pullis being exerted thereon. This causes the thread necessary to thestitching operation to be pulled thru the tension device 226 from itssource of supply.

It has been found that the needle, by reason of its many transfers fromone needle slide to the other, some'tii'nes becomes turned, so thatunless properly straightened, the thread hook 265 would have difficultyin passing thru the eye of the needle. To correct this difliculty, Iprovide a pawl 270 pivotally mounted from a lug 271 on casting 18, thepawl having a flattened nose portion 272 on one end thereof. At itsother end, the pawl has a pivotal connection with a link 2733 whichextends downwardly and projects thru lug 274. At the bottom of the saidlink, I provide a roller bracket 275 in which is mounted a cam roller 276 adapted to engage lobe (g) on cam ring G, the said cam ring beingmounted on cam drum 63. Lobe (g) is so positioned circumferentially oncam ring G that it engages roller 276 and causes upward actuation ofsaid roller and connected link to lower the nose portion 272 of pawl 270during the last transfer operation of the needle from the right sideneedle slide to the left slide. As hereinbefore stated, during this lasttransfer, the work clamp is lowered and the needle passes over the work.The nose portion 272 thus engages the needle which is in substantiallyfree relation to the gripping devices during its transfer and causes theneedle to be straightened (Fig. 15). The needle is then gripped by theleft side needle slide on its last backward stroke in proper positionfor the threading operation about to occur.

I also provide mechanism whereby the thread may be severed at the endofthe stitching operation to permit the work to be free- 1y removed fromthe clamps by the operator. The thread-cutting mechanism comprises aknife 280 (Fig. 17) having angularly related surfaces 281 and 281" atthe end thereof, the latter providing a' cutting surface, the said knifebeing fixed to arm 282 which is pivotally secured as by a pin 283 to aprojection 284' extending from casting 18. The free end of said arm 282is adapted to be engaged by a roller 285 mounted in lever 286, whichlever is mounted for swinging movement on shaft and carries cam roller287.

The said cam roller is adapted to engage cam lobes (f) and (F) on camring F, which is mounted on the cam drum 63. Engagement of the roller287 with the said lobes causes an actuation of arm 282 about its fulcrum283, and the knife 280 is positively carried beneath the thread asindicated in the dotted line positions. A spring 288 extending betweencasting 18 and the free end of arm 282 urges the said arm to its fullline position when roller 287 rides off cam lobe f The angular portions281 and 281 of the knife serve the function of supporting the threadduring the stitching operations, and

of severing the thread leading to the work from the source of supply.\Vhen roller 287 engages the lobe j, the knife is projected beneath thethread so that the thread is caught by the portion 281. The thread fromthe source of supply to the work is thus held as indicated in full lines(Fig. 1) during the portion of the cycle following from the firsttransfer of the needle until after the completion of the stitchingoperations. \Vhen the left needle slide has been carried throughout itslast reverse stroke, and after the threader hook 265 has pulled thethread thru the needle eye and is carrying the thread therethrudownwardly, roller 287 engages lobe 7. The knife is resultinglybroughtforwardly, and upon return actuation the cutting portion 281" engagesthe thread which is being tensioned by reason of the hook 265 movingdownwardly, and severs the same.

The doubled thread carried by the needle from the work on the lasttransfer operation is broken and pulls away from the needle by reason ofthe short length of thread remainfor the last reverse stroke of the leftside The operation of the device is as follows: The needle has beenthreaded manually, or automatically by the operation just completed, andthe operator mounts the lowermost of the tips 207 held on the feed chute204 on the threader pin 187 by manipulation of the push lever 198 andbent rod 217 as described with reference to Fig. 12. The fabric clamps160 are in their lowered position as shown in Figs. 1 and 9. The fabric290 to be stitched to the tip is wrapped about the tip as indicated inFig. 31. The operator then actuates foot lever 106 and simultaneouslypulls out operating lever 12 1, which causes link 112 to be raised andretained in raised position by finger 128 depending from the lever 124;.The upward actuation of link 112 causes lever 120 to rotate shaft 121which in turn causes the fabric spring clamps to be projected upwardlyabout the fabric and tip positioned on threader tip 187 as in Fig. 10and firmly grip the same. The tip and fabric are so positioned that theneedle 232 passes thru the eye 223 of the tip upon its transfers fromthe left to the right needle slides.

As hereinbefore described, actuation of link 112 upwardly causesrotation of shaft 84 thru engagement of the clutch surfaces 91 and 98 ofthe clutch members 90 and 97 respectively, and worm wheel 82 isconsequently driven, resulting in the rotation of drum 63. The left sideneedle slide mechanism carrying the threaded needle which has been inretracted position is projected on its forward stroke upon rotation ofthe cam drum 63, and the needle passes thru the elongated slot 200 inthe spring clamp 160 and thru eye 223 of the tip 207 and fabric wrappedthereabout to the right needle slide which grips the needle and pullsthe thread thru the tip. The said right slide travels throughout itsreverse and forward strokes, the thread beingtensionedby the tension arm240 during such actuation, and the needle is transferred to the leftside slide. By reason of the engagement of the work clamp cam roller 175with lobe (b of cam ring H, the cast member 163 is raised just prior tosaid last transfer, and the tip and fabric are raised out of the path ofthe needle which passes thru the lower portion of slot 200 in the springclamps 160 and beneath the tip. The needle is then gripped by the leftside slide which reverses its stroke, the thread being tensioned bytheswinging movement of tension arm 240. The thread has now passed thruthe eye of the umbrella tip and associated fabric and has been wrappedunder the tip or relatively about the fabric. This operation is carriedthru six times, resulting in six stitches being taken thru and about thetip and fabric.

The first three of the stitching operations are identical; the lastthree stitches differ in that the cam portions (71. (if) (h) of cam ringH cause the tip and fabric holder to drop prior to the transfer of theneedle from the right to the left needle slides. The needle thus passesover the tip and fabric and results in the thread being wrapped over thesame on the last three of the said transfers.

On the last transfer of the needle, which passes over the tip and isrelatively free, the pawl 270 is depressed to engage the needle which isthereby straightened (Fig. 15). A relatively short length of thread iscarried by the needle as theleft needle slide is projected thru its lastreverse stroke, and the needle breaks away from this thread whichextends to the work.-

At the end of the last reverse stroke of the left side slide, rod 228,thru the bottom of which the thread extends from the source of supplyand leading to the work by reason of the first transfer of the needlethru the umbrella tip being stitched, is lowered and turned to positionthe thread directly over and across the eye of the needle.Simultaneously arm 262 and threader hook 265 is raised, the latterpassing thru the eye of the needle and hooking over the thread.

Lowering of the hook 265 causes this engaged the same. The needle is nowthreaded and in position to commence the next cycle of operations andthe fabric hasbeen stitched to the umbrella tip and the threadextendingthere to or therefrom has been severed.

The clutch surfaces 91 and 98 are then disengaged by the stop mechanismoperated from the cam drum 63, namely, the engagement of cam lobe 154with r'oller 153 which lowers lever 114; and also by mechanism on wormwheel 82 comprising the lobe 150 on said worm wheel 82 which engages arm151, and rotation of the drum 63 is stopped. The fabric clamps 160'dropdownwardly from the tip and fabric upon rotation of shaft 121, caused bylowering of lever 114, and the operator by actuation of push lever 197opens clamps 188 for removal of the work and for the insertion of a tipfor the next operation. By reference to Fig. 31, the fabric has beenstitched to the tip in such fashion that its reverse side is upward. Ipropose to turn the fabric about its stitched part which will berelatively fixed, so that the tip and .fabric as sumes the relation asindicated in Fig. 32 when ready for application to an umbrella rib whichextends into and is fixed in the bore of the tip.

I provide an attachment which permits the fabric cover to be stitched tothe eye of the metal ribs of umbrellas as distinguished from tips whichare positioned on the ends of the umbrella ribs and which usuallycharacterize ladies umbrellas. This attachment com? prises an arm 291(Figs. 3 and 33) mounted for swinging movement as by bolt 292 to thetable portion 12 ofthe pedestal 10. The free end of the arm 291 has abushing 293 fixed thereto which is suitably bored for the reception ofan umbrella post. A stop lug 294 on said arm is provided which engagesthe table portion 12 when the arm has been turned so that the bushing293 is positioned in the transverse plane of the tip and fabric clamps.

The arm 291, when its use is desired, is swung into proper position asdetermined by lug 294, and the umbrella frame is mounted in bushing 293as indicated. The rib is bent by the operator to be grasped by clampingarms 188 which are opened by operation of hand lever 197. The threadingpin 187 must be removed, and in its place a screw threaded plug 295 isinserted in the boss 185 of sufficient length to act as a stop for theend of the rib and whereb the usual metal eye of the rib is in the pat 1of travel of the needle during the transfers thereof from the left tothe right needle slides. The fabric is wrapped on the rib and upon theactuation of foot lever 106, the spring fabric clamps 160 are raisedabout the rib and fabric as hereinbefore stated. The stitching andassociated operations follow in the same sequence and manner asdescribed with relation to the tip stitching operation above described.

The above described sewing machine thus substantially automaticallyperforms the various steps in the sewing of a fabric cover to a tip tobe mounted on the rib of an umbrella frame or to the conventional eye atthe end of the umbrella ribs, in an uninterrupted series of operations,formerly performed by hand. The operator need only mount the tip or riband the fabric to be stitched thereto, and start the machine. In apractical and efficient manner, a desired number of stitches are thenautomatically taken thru and about the tip or rib and associated fabric,the thread is severed from the work and from the needle, the needlerethreaded for the next operation,

and the machine is stopped for the removalv of the Work. By decreasingthe time and cost factors, production costs of umbrellas are materiallydecreased by the above machine.

From.the above, it will be seen that the present invention contemplatesa practical device well adapted to accomplish, among others, all of theobjects and advantages herein set forth.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character described in combination, a framemember, gibs fixedly secured across said member, slide blocks mountedfor reciprocation in said gibs, a needle, needle gripping mechanismmounted on said slide blocks and extending laterally thereof, a workholding mechanism positioned between said slide blocks, and mechanism totransfer the needle from one to the other of said gripping mechanismsand thru the work held in the work holding mechanisms.

2. In a device of the character described, in combination, a framemember, gibs fixedly secured across said member, slide blocks mountedfor reciprocation in said gibs, a needle, needle gripping mechanismsmounted on said slide blocks and extending laterally thereof and eachcomprising a fixed and a movable jaw, a work holding mechanismpositioned between said slide blocks. means to reciprocate said slideblocks toward and from each other, and needle release mechanismresponsive to the reciprocation of the slide members to effect atransfer of the needle from one to the other of said needle grippingmechanisms.

3. In a device of the character described, in combination, a framemember, gibs fixedly secured across said member, slide blocks mountedbetween said gibs, means to reciprocate said slide blocks toward andfrom each other, a needle, needle gripping mechanisms mounted on saidslide blocks and extending laterally thereof and comprising fixed andmovable jaws, a work holding mechanism positioned between said slideblocks, needle release mechanism associated with said gripping mechanisma nd operative to transfer the needle from one needle gripping mechanismto the other thru the work positioned in said work holding mechanismwhen the blocks are adjacent each other.

4. In a device of the character described, in combination, a framemember, gibs fixedly secured across said member, slide blocks mountedfor reciprocation in said gibs, a needle, needle gripping mechanismsmounted on said slide blocks and extending laterally thereof, means toreciprocate the needle blocks towards and away from each other, andmeans to transfer the needle from one needle gripping mechanism to theother when the blocks are adjacent each other.

5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a framemember, gibs fixedly secured thereto, slide blocks mounted forreciprocation in said gibs, a needle, needle gripping mechanisms mountedto extend laterally of said slide blocks, means to reciprocate saidblocks towards and from each other comprising levers having a pivotalmounting on said frame member, link connections between said blocks andthe ends of said levers, said levers at their other ends engaging camrings on a rotatable drum, said first named means being responsive tothe rotation of the drum for its actuation, and means responsive to therotation of the drum to transfer the needle from one to the othergripping mechanism when the blocks are adjacent each other.

6. In a device of the character described, in combination, a framemember, gibs fixedly secured thereto, slide blocks mounted forreciprocation in said gibs, a needle, needle gripping mechanisms mountedto extend laterally of said slide blocks and each comprising fixed andmovable jaws, means to reciprocate said blocks towards and from eachother, and means to release the needle in one mechanism and to grip theneedle in the other gripping mechanism comprising spring arms engagingsaid movable jaws to maintain the same in gripping engagement with saidfixed jaws,

and members engaging said spring arms to cause movement of the movablejaws out of gripping relation with said fixed jaws.

7. In a device of the character described, in combination, a framemember, gibs fixedly secured thereto, slide blocks mounted forreciprocation insaid gibs, a needle, needle gripping mechanisms mountedto extend laterally of said slide blocks and each comprising fixed andmovable aws means to reciprocate said blocks towards and from eachother, and means to release the needle in one mechanism and to grip theneedle in the other gripping mechanism comprising spring arms engagingLil . said movable jaws to maintain the same in gripping engagement withsaid fixed jaws, members engaging said spring arms to cause movement ofthe movable jaws out of grip-V -mechanism comprising members engagingsaid movable jawscto actuate the same out of gripping relation with saidfixed jaws, mechanism to actuate-said last named members,

mechanism to impart reciprocation to said needle'slides toward and fromeach other, a

i work holding clamp positioned between said needle slides, and mountedfor reciprocation,

-' a rotatable cam drum mounted in said frame member, cam rings mountedthereon. link connections between said cam rings and sald mechanisms andwork clamps to cause reciprocation of said needle slides and transfer ofthe needle from one gripping mechanism to the other and thru and aboutthe work held in said work holding clamps.

. 9. In a device of the character described, in combination, a needle,work holding mechanism, needle clamps disposed at the sides ofsaidholding mechanism, and means to transfer the needle thruthe holdingdevice from one to the other of said needle clamps, said I holdingdevice comprising a reciprocable member, a pin extending from saidreciprocable member u on whlch a portion of the work is adapte 'to bepositioned, pivoted clamp arms mounted on said member and adapted togrip the work so positioned,

spring clamps mounted on said reciprocable member and adapted formovement independently thereof to position another portion of the workabout. the work held on said pin, and means to bring-said clamp armsinto and out of clam ing engagement.

' 10. In a eviceof the character described,

' in combination, a needle, work holding mechanism, needle clampsdisposed at the sides of said holding mechanism, and means to trans ferthe needle thru the holding device from one to the other of said needleclamps, said holding mechanism comprisin a reciprocable member, a pinextending t erefrom, pivoted clamp arms mounted on said member,

and means to bring said clamp arms into and out of clamping engagementwith the work positioned on said pm.

1 11. In a device of the character described,

- in combination, a needle, work holding mech- 2 an sm, needle clampsdisposed, at the sides f said holding mechanism, and means to transferthe needle thru the holding device, said holding device comprising areciprocable member, a threader pin extending therefrom, pivotedclamping arms mounted on said member adapted to clamp about the workmounted on said pin, said member having an operative connection with acam ring mounted on a rotating drum whereby it is reciprocatedsubsequent to at least one of the needle transfers.

12. In a device of the character described, in combination, aneedle,work holding mechanism, needle clamps disposed at the sides ofsaid holding mechanism, and means to transfer the needle thru theholding device, said holding device comprising a reciprocable member, athreader pin extending therefrom,

pivoted clamping arms mounted on said member adapted to clamp about thework mounted on said pin, said member having an operative connectionwith a cam ring mountedon a ro- ,tating drum whereby it is reciprocatedsubse quent to at least one of the needle transfers, spring clamps onsaid reciprocable member, and means to bring said spring clamps intooperative engagement about said work independently of the reciprocationof said reciprocable member.

13. In a device of the character described, a needle, a work holdingmechanism mounted for reciprocation, slide members mounted forreciprocation on each'side of said holding mechanism, needle grippingmechanism mounted on said slides and comprising fixed and movablegripping jaws, needle release mechanism in operative relation to saidgripping mechanism and inclusive of, a member adapted to depress .saidmovable jaws to release theneedle, a cam drum mounted for rotation, camrings thereon individual to each of said mechanisms and. link mechanismoperatively-connecting said cam rings to said mechanisms whereby uponrotation of said cam drum the needle is released from onegrippingmechanism and transferred to the, other thru and relatively about thework in said holding mechanism.

14. In a device of the character described, in combination, a needle, awork holding mechanism including amember adapted to position the work,and clamp and spring members adapted to hold the work, said springmember having a needle aperture therein, slide members mounted forreciprocation on each side of said holding mechanism, needle gri pingmechanism mouflted on said slides, nee 1e release mechanism in operativerelationto said gripping mechanism,

a cam drum mounted-for rotation, cam rinthereon individual to each ofsaid mechanisms, and link connections betwen said cam ti and saidmechanisms whereby upon rotation of said camdrum, the needle is,released from one gripping mechanism and transferred to the other tlhuthe aperture in

